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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Wintertime House Fire Prevention | SERVPRO® of East Nashville, Madison, Goodlettsville

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

Though one should always work to prevent house fires, winter is when the majority of fires happen, making it a time to be extra prepared. Winter is a common time for fires due to many factors, and it is important to be aware of the most common fire causes and what you can do to prevent them.

Causes of Winter Fires

An Increase in Cooking
At any time of the year, the No. 1 cause of house fires is always cooking-related incidents, but winter sees an even higher uptick in their occurrence. Experts believe this is due to people cooking large, celebratory meals as well as food preparation often being a group effort, increasing the opportunity for a fire-starting event.

The Risk of Heaters
When the temperatures begin to drop, heating your home safely is important. Heating is a common house fire cause due to the extensive room for error it provides. Utilizing personal heaters without safety measures and neglecting to put a grate over a fireplace will often lead to fires in the home.

Candles and Decorations
Whether candles are lit for scent, decoration or holiday celebration, any open flame poses an increased fire risk. Because they are used more commonly in the winter, it is important to ensure candles are never left unattended in order to prevent the fire from spreading. Holiday decorations are also a common culprit, as their electrical components can deteriorate and cause the fire risk to increase.

Preventing Winter Fires

The best way to stay safe from fires is to prevent them through rigorous safety standards. Practicing prevention of house fires is always important, but because they are so common in the winter, imploring these tips is a wise way to increase your safety:

  • Check smoke alarms once every 30 days and replace every 10 years.
  • Always monitor open flames.
  • Select space heaters with automatic shut-offs in case they tip over.
  • Utilize a screen every time you use a fireplace.
  • Draft and practice an emergency escape plan with your household.

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